Heartbreaking Moment: Naya Rivera's Son Tried to Save Her with a Rope

Ryan Dorsey is helping his son grieve his mother.

Even after nearly five years since the passing of Naya Rivera, her former spouse continues to help their son, now 9-year-old Josey, alleviate the guilt he has carried from the day when Rivera tragically drowned during a boat excursion with him.

In simpler terms, Ryan shared that when Josey was only 4, he felt like he could have done more to attempt rescuing her.

In a recent interview with People (Feb 12), Ryan explained repeatedly that he was searching for a life raft and found a rope, but there was a large spider on the rope, causing him to hesitate. He’s still haunted by this, as he believes if he had thrown the rope despite his fear, he could have saved her.

According to the actor on Ray Donovan, it seems extremely unlikely that the young boy had any realistic options in that instant, a situation he described as an unexpected and unusual event.

As her actions seemed puzzling, I pondered if perhaps she had stumbled into some overgrown vegetation – that could be one possibility. Or maybe there was an unusual ripple in the water from the dam, something I hadn’t considered before.

He expressed that if both Naya and Josey hadn’t been in his life, he wasn’t certain how he could have carried on, stating that whatever he might have resorted to wouldn’t have been positive.

Ryan pointed out, “He closely resembles his mother due to his persistent nature. When he doesn’t receive the response he desires, he continues to discuss the matter.” In other words, he’s quite talkative, and that trait is reminiscent of his mom.

He added of his son, “He doesn’t know a stranger. He is such a happy kid.”

Over time, I find myself constantly noticing glimpses of the late, incredible Naya, in her sweet daughter Josey, who’s father is none other than my beloved Big Sky actor, now divorced from Naya since 2018.

Ryan shared, “He closely resembles his mother due to his persistent nature – whenever he doesn’t receive the response he desires, he continues conversing.” In other words, “He loves chatting, and that trait is undeniably from his mom.

He added of his son, “He doesn’t know a stranger. He is such a happy kid.”

Keep reading for more on Josey’s life.

In June 2021, Ryan Dorsey posted on Instagram, “Fresh from Pre-K, here comes the boy!” Translated, it means, “Now that he has graduated from Pre-K, we’re moving on to Kindergarten! #summertime #proudDad

Naya’s ex Ryan Dorsey has a fun pool day with their son in June 2021.

Ryan Dorsey expressed his feelings in a different way for Mother’s Day 2021, which was the first one after Naya Rivera’s passing in July 2020. He shared an unseen photo of mother and son and wrote: “We can’t express ‘happy’ but let me say thank you for being my son’s mother & giving me this wonderful boy.

On Mother’s Day 2021, Ryan Dorsey posted on Instagram, expressing gratitude to his mother-in-law, Naya’s mom: “Thank you for your constant support, boundless love, all the assistance, your patience, kindness, and everything you do. We [heart emoji] you very much.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, allow me to share an endearing flashback snap that my former partner, Ryan Dorsey, posted in March 2021. The photo featured our daughter, Josey, playing delightfully with our two beloved canines. A heartwarming reminder of a cherished moment in time.

Back in January 2021, Ryan Dorsey commemorated his former partner’s 34th birthday by sharing a nostalgic family photograph from their past.

It’s as unbelievable as it is true that you’re gone,” he penned. “If my words convey the absurdity of this situation, yet nothing here seems to make any sense to me…34…I can almost imagine you joking about being really old. Rest peacefully, dear old soul…

The two celebrate their first Christmas since Naya’s death five months prior.

Two weeks following the tragic drowning incident during a boat trip, Naya’s former spouse, Ryan Dorsey, posted this picture showcasing them with their unique child, who was also with her at the time.

Ryan expressed his feelings on Instagram, saying, “This situation is heart-wrenchingly unfair, and there aren’t enough words to capture the void left in everyone’s hearts.” He continued, “I can hardly accept this as real life. I’m not sure I ever will. Just yesterday, you were here with us, swimming together with Josey. Life seems so unjust sometimes.

He went on saying, “I’m at a loss for words…I’m grateful for the moments we shared and the incredible journey that led us to this wonderful, thoughtful, and kind little boy, Josey. I recall times when you’d say, ‘Ryan, could you please stop snapping!’ Ha! I’m glad I didn’t heed your advice because now Josey has hundreds, if not thousands, of snaps and videos that will forever remind him of his momma’s love and the joy we shared during his growth. Life is a mix of happy and difficult times, but with Josey, even the hardships seem less daunting because a piece of you will always be with us. He’ll never forget his roots. We miss you. You will forever be in our hearts. Love you Meep.

In simpler terms, just three weeks before Naya Rivera’s passing, her former partner Ryan Dorsey posted a picture featuring him, Josey, and one of their pets.

On New Year’s Day of 2020, Ryan Dorsey, my former partner, posted a heartwarming family photograph – just seven months prior to Naya Rivera’s tragic passing.

“Practice in WalMart makes perfect,” Josey’s dad Ryan Dorsey wrote on Instagram in November 2019.

Josey and dad Ryan Dorsey celebrate Halloween with matching Toy Story costumes.

Why so ssssserious? The two also dressed up as the Joker and Batman from The Dark Knight.

Last week, Rivera posted a picture of her snuggling with her baby, accompanied by the caption, “Just us two.

The mother-son duo made a stylish pair in this March 2020 photo.

“Batman and Batgirl,” Rivera wrote in November 2019. “Perfect duo.”

As a lifestyle guide, I would express that quote in this manner: “From now until forever, my affection for you remains unchanged; through all the years of my life, my dear one, you will hold a special place – Happy Birthday, Josey! Lots of love from Mommy.

The two attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part in February 2019.

“Camel ridin with my main man!” Rivera wrote in November 2018.

The actress famed for her role as Santana on Glee posted a picture of her 2018 Halloween outfits with the caption, “We conquered!” Accompanying this triumphant statement was the festive greeting, “#HappyHalloween.